With reduced living costs and better sustainability, there’s no doubt that tiny house living comes with many benefits. But, if you live with someone else, there’s one particular sacrifice you may have to make: privacy. With everyone living virtually in the same space it can seem impossible to get privacy in a tiny house, but that doesn’t change the fact that we all need it from time to time. So what can you do to make sure you’re getting the space you need? Depending on your living situation, you do have a few options.
Make use of separate living spaces
If you have a bedroom on your ground floor, this method of privacy will be very simple. All you need to do is ensure the bedroom has a door and you’re set. But even if your tiny home has an open plan design you can still make use of different spaces. One person can hang out in the lounge room while the other spends time in the loft bedroom. You’ll need to be considerate of the other person’s presence, but you’ll still be able to do separate activities and give each other space you need.
Create an outdoor sanctuary
While your interior living space may be tiny, that doesn’t mean your outdoor living area needs to be as well. In fact, many of our tiny home customers choose to add a deck onto their home so they can spend more time outdoors. But building a deck, or designing some other outdoor living area, is also a great way to get privacy. Simply pop outside to bask in the sun and appreciate a moment of quiet (weather permitting, of course). If a deck isn’t in the cards for you, all you need are some comfy chairs or a hammock that you can hang up nearby.
Take advantage of differing hobbies
Having hobbies that are different from the rest of your family is a great thing when it comes to tiny living. A hobby, especially one you can leave home for, gives you a reason to spend time apart doing something you enjoy. Even better if there are regular classes or a schedule you need to stick to, so you’re never going long stretches of time without some space from each other.
Chuck some noise cancelling headphones on
Privacy isn’t always about being completely separate from others. It can be as simple as doing separate activities while you sit next to each other on the couch. But in these situations, noise cancelling headphones will be a lifesaver. You won’t be disrupted by what your partner’s doing and the headphones act as a sign to not disturb to you unless necessary. Standard headphones are also a great option but noise cancelling ones will help block out much more noise, something you’ll undoubtedly appreciate if you have loud children.
Curtains
In an open plan tiny house sound can travel very easily, but sometimes all you need is to be out of anyone else’s sight. Installing a curtain that blocks off the entry to the loft might not do much about sound, but it’s a light, easy way to create some extra privacy when you need it. That and some noise cancelling headphones and you might forget the other person is even there.
Don’t always go out together
Just because your partner is going out to see their friends or watch a movie doesn’t mean you need to as well. Why not take that time to have a quiet night in with yourself, where you can do the things they never want to do, whether that’s eat a meal they hate or watch a TV show they refuse to watch. You’ll get to satisfy that craving and they’ll get a night out for themselves as well.
Clear your head with a workout
The frustration that can build up from living in a tight space with someone else is perfectly reasonable. And while you may often need a few hours apart, sometimes as little as 30 minutes will do the trick. Clear your head by going for a walk in the fresh air, or sweat out the frustration with a short workout. You’ll be doing your mental and physical health a favour, and your partner will surely appreciate that you’re not taking your frustration out on them.
Communicate, communicate, communicate
Communicating well with your family members will also make a world of difference. Maybe you’ve popped your headphones on but your partner keeps interrupting you. Or you simply want a bit of quiet time even though you’re together. Being open and telling them what you need in that moment is the only way they’ll know. And, of course, you’ll need to return the same level of understanding in return.
Schedule your privacy ahead of time
The best way to make sure you’re getting the privacy you need is to actually plan ahead for it. Specifically organise some time each week or month that’s designated personal time. In this time, everyone can choose to hang out by themselves or do a hobby. With these organised ahead of time you can significantly reduce the chances of a conflict that may arise when you’ve spent too much time with someone.
Privacy in a tiny house can be difficult but it’s certainly not impossible. Implementing these strategies as early as possible can help reduce your chances of a blow up later on. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of time before you realise how important privacy really is, for both kids and adults. Ensuring everyone has access to some form of privacy on a regular basis will make your tiny living experience all the more enjoyable for everyone.
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